2.10.2011

Ok, I know this sounds a little different, but I tried two new recipes today and liked them both! And the good news is, they are both lower in fat and calories than the original versions. You may be very surprised at some of the ingredients, but I would NOT lie to you. They taste just the same, if not better than the original. In fact, you'd never know if you tasted them and I hadn't told you what was in them. Take a look....

Reduced-fat brownies:

1 can black beans, drained, rinsed
1 can full of water
1 brownie mix

Place rinsed beans in a blender, then fill the can up with water and add to blender. Blend for about 30 seconds. Stir into cake mix and bake in a square, greased pan as directed on box, omitting other ingredients listed on cake mix box (water, oil, eggs).

It is very strange to think of black beans in a brownie mix, right? I know two people who have made and served these brownies and nobody knew they had black beans in them. They couldn't even tell a difference in taste. I found that these were more gooey than cake-y. But that's the way I like it! Don't be scared to try this one!

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Spray baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray. After peeling squash, cut in half and remove seeds with a spoon. Cut into small strips (about the size of fries). Place on baking sheet. Sprinkle with remaining ingredients except cheese. Bake for 30-40 minutes. Sprinkle cheese on in the last 5 minutes.

These are SO flavorful, rich, and delicious! You have got to try them. They actually seem greasy like deep-fat fried french fries, but they aren't! All you need is a little cooking spray and you don't get all the extra fat and calories! Sounds great to me.